The arboretum was established in 1912 by Thornton T. Munger of the United States Forest Service to determine the best trees for commercial purposes. Foresters planted tree species from various temperate and subtropical zones to compare their performance with local Pacific Northwest native tree species. After more than 90 years and 165 species tested, the general conclusion has been that native species are best adapted to the local environment.[3] Most of the non-native species have died.[4]